Expandable container with pull cord

ABSTRACT

An expandable container for holding articles includes a pull cord to facilitate expansion of the container. The container includes at least two walls pivotably inter-connectable along at least two junctures. The walls are designed to collapse so as to lie substantially flat in a collapsed position. A flap attachable to at least one of the walls is capable of pivotable movement with respect to the walls so that pivoting the flap with respect to the walls expands the walls apart from one another from the collapsed position to an expanded position. The pull cord is attachable to the flap to facilitate expansion of the container from a collapsed position to an expanded position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of Utility patentapplication Ser. No. 09/822,098 filed Mar. 30, 2001, which is herebyincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates generally to an expandable containermovable from a collapsed position to an expanded position and, moreparticularly, to an expandable container including a pull cord thatexpands the container walls to their expanded position.

[0003] Conventionally, expandable containers, such as cardboard boxes,can be formed in two positions, expanded or collapsed. The collapsedposition typically corresponds to a fully flattened container, such as abox including its bottom, top and sides generally parallel one another.This collapsed position simplifies container storage when not in use andreduces manufacturing complexity since such container may often beconstructed from a single piece of material, such as cardboard.

[0004] One drawback associated with such containers is the complexitywith which the containers are assembled. Often, container bottoms areformed from multiple portions that fold inward for sealing with tape orglue, forming a container bottom. Assembling such containers requirescareful attention to the detailed container construction, requiringdeliberate and precise folding of portions to expand the container froma flattened position. Such an assembly often also requires an additionalsealing mechanism, such as glue. These containers are not useful forcertain applications and users, due to their assembly complexity. Thisis especially true if such a container is to be used as a novelty item,gift or promotional offering, where the party providing the containerwishes that the user use it with little difficulty or complex thought.There is a need, therefore, for a product that incorporates the priorart expandability with an ease of use that would not deter the recipientfrom operating such a device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Among the several objects and features of the present inventionmay be noted the provision of an expandable container that readilyexpands to an expanded position by pulling a pull tab; the provision ofsuch an expandable container that operates easily without complexinstructions; the provision of such an expandable container that may beeasily stored and transported in its collapsed position; the provisionof such an expandable container that may be formed in various shapes andsizes for varied applications; the provision of such an expandablecontainer that may be covered with various designs and pictures toenhance its appearance; and the provision of such an expandablecontainer that may be readily altered between its expanded and collapsedposition multiple times.

[0006] In general, an expandable container comprises at least two wallspivotably inter-connectable along at least two junctures so as to liesubstantially flat in a collapsed position. The container furthercomprises a flap attachable to at least one wall and capable ofpivotable movement with respect to that wall. A pull cord is attachableto the flap, where pulling the cord pivotably moves the flap withrespect to the walls, thereby expanding the walls apart from one anotherfrom the collapsed position to an expanded position.

[0007] In another embodiment of the present invention, an expandablecontainer comprises at least two panels pivotably inter-connectablealong at least two junctures so as to lie substantially flat in acollapsed position. At least one of the panels is capable of pivotablemovement with respect to another of the panels. The container furthercomprises a pull cord attachable to at least one of the panels. Pullingthe pull cord pivotably moves the panel with respect to the other panel,thereby expanding the panels from the collapsed position to an expandedposition.

[0008] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, an expandablecontainer comprises at least two walls pivotably inter-connectable alongat least two junctures so as to lie substantially flat in a collapsedposition. The container further comprises a flap attachable to at leastone of the walls and capable of pivotable movement with respect to theat least one wall. The container further comprises a pull cordattachable to the flap, whereby pulling the cord pivotably moves theflap with respect to the walls, expanding the walls apart from oneanother from the collapsed position to an expanded position. The wallsand flap are capable of folding to a substantially flat, collapsedposition wherein the walls are perpendicular to the flap when in theexpanded position. Walls adjacent one another are oriented perpendicularto one another when in the expanded position.

[0009] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, an expandablecontainer comprises two walls, a flap and a pull cord generally as setforth above. The walls are not perpendicular to the flap when in theexpanded position, but are inwardly directed toward one another. Thecontainer is generally pyramid-shaped, wherein the flap forms a base ofthe pyramid and the walls form sides of the pyramid. The walls and flapare capable of folding to a substantially flat, collapsed position.

[0010] In still another embodiment of the present invention, a kituseful for making an expandable container comprises at least two panelspivotably inter-connectable along at least two junctures so as to liesubstantially flat in a collapsed position. The kit further comprises apull cord attachable to at least one of the panels. At least one of thepanels is capable of pivotable movement with respect to another of thepanels so as to expand the panels to an expanded position wherein thepanels cooperate to form a container.

[0011] Other objects and features of the present invention will be inpart apparent and in part pointed our hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012]FIG. 1 is a perspective of an expandable container of the presentinvention;

[0013]FIG. 2 is a front elevation of the expandable container of FIG. 1in an expanded position;

[0014]FIG. 3 is a plan view of the expandable container of FIG. 1 in acollapsed position;

[0015]FIG. 4 is a plan view of the expandable container of FIG. 1 in anunfolded form;

[0016]FIG. 4A is a perspective of another version of the expandablecontainer of the present invention;

[0017]FIG. 5 is a perspective of another version of the expandablecontainer of the present invention;

[0018]FIG. 6 is a front elevation of the expandable container of FIG. 6in an expanded position;

[0019]FIG. 7 is a plan view of the expandable container of FIG. 6 in acollapsed position;

[0020]FIG. 8 is a plan view of the expandable container of FIG. 6 in anunfolded form; and

[0021] FIGS. 9-15 are each perspectives of additional versions of theexpandable container of the present invention.

[0022] Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding numbers andcharacters throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0023] Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1, anexpandable container of the present invention is generally designated bythe reference numeral 21. The container 21 comprises at least two walls25, preferably four, pivotably inter-connectable along at least twojunctures 29, preferably four. These walls 25 may be formed fromcardboard, paper or other stiff material. Preferably, the walls 25 maybe covered with photographs, text or graphics (not shown), making thecontainer 21 more visually appealing. The container 21 may be formed inany size, but the preferred embodiment is directed to a container forholding small articles such as pencils, paper clips, a scarf, etc. FIGS.1 and 2 show the container 21 in an expanded position, where the walls25 cooperate to form an upwardly opening container including a cavity 33for holding articles (not shown). When in a collapsed position, as shownin FIG. 3, these walls 25 lie substantially flat and parallel withrespect to one another. In the collapsed position, the cavity 33 is nolonger apparent and the container 21 cannot hold articles.

[0024] To facilitate altering the container 21 from the collapsedposition (FIG. 3) to the expanded position (FIGS. 1 and 2), a flap 37 isattachable to at least one wall 25 along a hinged seam 41 and canpivotably move with respect to the wall about the seam (FIG. 2).Movement of the flap 37 downward, as shown in phantom lines in FIG. 2,expands the walls 25 apart from one another, converting the container 21from its collapsed position to its expanded position. As with the walls25 alone, the walls and flap 37 also fold together to a substantiallyflat, collapsed position, so that the container 21 may be more easilystored or shipped. Although designating each part of the container 21 aseither wall 25 or flap 37 is preferred, the walls and flap may also bereferred to more generally as panels of the container. The term panelmay be used throughout as a generic term for any structural portion ofthe container 21, or any container named herein, including thoseportions that define walls, flaps or portions of the container.

[0025] At least one wall 25, and preferably all four walls, additionallyincludes an upwardly folding stop 45 extending from the bottom edge ofthe wall along a fold line 49. These stops 45 are preferably foldedupward for substantially flatwise engagement with their respective wall25 of attachment. When the flap 37 rotates downward to its expandedposition, the stops 45 arrest flap movement at the proper orientation.

[0026] To simplify the process of moving the flap 37 and erecting thecontainer 21, a pull cord 53 is attachable to the flap 37, preferablyvia two holes 57. Other means for attaching the pull cord 53, such asadhesives or slots in the flap 37, are also contemplated as within thescope of the present invention. Pulling the pull cord 53 downwardpivotably moves the flap 37 with respect to the walls 25 to expand thecontainer 21. The pull cord 53 allows a user unfamiliar with thecontainer 21 to erect the container from its collapsed to expandedposition quickly and easily. Moreover, the pull cord 53 makes thecontainer 21 readily usable by children, the infirm or users with littletime or inclination to study a more complex container. A pull tab 61attachable to a free end of the pull cord 53 and labeled with text orgraphics (not shown) helps guide the user regarding how to use thecontainer 21. For instance, the pull tab 61 may bear the words “PullHere,” suggesting to the user that pulling on the tab will expand thecontainer 21.

[0027] In the preferred embodiment, the walls 25 and flap 37 are ofunitary construction, although the present invention is readilyapplicable to a container 21 formed from multiple pieces of materialattachable to one another. FIG. 4 shows the container 21 in its unfoldedform, where the walls 25, flap 37 and stops 45 each are formed from asingle piece of material. The unfolded container 21 additionallyincludes a segment 65 extending from a wall 25 of the unfolded containerconnectable along only one juncture 29. The segment 65 is designed forflatwise engagement with the wall 25 on the opposite end of the unfoldedcontainer 21, for securing the container walls in a continuous series,forming the container perimeter. The segment 65 is attachable to theopposite wall 25 in any number of ways, including adhesives, tab andslot mechanisms, tape, etc.

[0028] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 1-4, the walls 25 are preferablyoriented perpendicular to the flap 37 when in the expanded position.When expanded, the flap 37 forms the bottom of the container 21 whilethe walls 25 form the container sides. Moreover, adjacent walls 25 areoriented perpendicular to one another, forming a generally rectangularcontainer 21. Although this represents the preferred embodiment, thewalls 25 and flap 37 of the container 21 may lie in any number oforientations without departing from the scope of the present invention.A sampling of such containers will be discussed in greater detail below.

[0029] The present container 21 may be used to hold a small orexpandable article, such as a scarf, while in its collapsed position.Such an article may be contained within the container 21 while in thecollapsed position, because the article adds little bulk to thecollapsed container. The article may then serve as a surprise to theuser when expanding the container 21 from its collapsed position to itsexpanded position for the first time. Because the scarf or other articleis capable of expanding to occupy the cavity 33 from a substantiallyflat, collapsed position, the presence of an article within thepreviously collapsed container 21 is counterintuitive.

[0030]FIG. 4A depicts another version of the present invention that is avariation of the container 21 of FIGS. 1-4. The container depicted inFIG. 4A is designated generally by 21′. The container 21′ includes walls25, junctures 29, a cavity 33 when expanded, a flap 37, a pull chord 53and a pull tab 61, generally as set forth above. In addition, one wall25 of the container 21′, preferably the wall opposite the wall where theflap 37 attaches along hinged seam 41, includes a hole 71. The pullchord 53 passes through the hole 71 to guide the pull chord as the pullchord is pulled and the container expands. Furthermore, the container21′ includes a support member 75 extending across the interior of thecontainer from the top of two adjacent stops 45. This support member 75folds flat along fold line 77 when the container 21′ is in its collapsedposition, and unfolds to support the flap 37 when the container is inits expanded position. The support member 75 is preferably formed fromthe same single piece of material as the walls 25, flap 37 and stops 45of the container 21′. It is also contemplated that the support member 75could be formed from an additional piece of material attached to thecontainer 21′.

[0031] Turning to another version of the present invention, shown inFIGS. 5-8, an expandable container 121 includes four walls 125 that arenot perpendicular to the flap 137 when the container is in the expandedposition. More specifically, the walls 125 are inwardly directed towardone another. The container 121 includes similar features of thepreferred embodiment, including junctures 129 between the walls 125, amovable flap 137, a hinged seam 141 making the flap connectable to thecontainer and a series of stops 145 for folding into flatwise engagementwith the walls along multiple fold lines 149. The container 121 isgenerally pyramid-shaped, however, wherein the movable flap 137 forms abase of the pyramid and the walls 125 form sides of the pyramid. Atleast one of the walls 125 defines a void 151, creating an opening nearthe peak of the pyramid-shaped container 121. When the base of thecontainer 121 is directed downward, the opening is upwardly directed forcollection of articles within the container.

[0032] The container 121 further includes a pull cord 153 threadedthrough holes 157 in the flap 137 and including a pull tab 161attachable to the free end of the pull cord. The pull cord 153 actuatesmovement of the flap 137, which includes two portions 169 that foldabout one another along a fold line 173. By folding in half, when movingfrom the collapsed to the expanded position, the flap 137 moves upwardtoward the opening of the container 121. Because the walls 125 areinwardly directed, the flap 137 must fold so that it can fit within thecollapsed container 121. Finally, the container includes a segment 165shaped and sized for flatwise engagement with the wall 125 on theopposite end of the unfolded container 121, for securing the containerwalls in a continuous series, forming the container perimeter.

[0033] Referring now to FIG. 9, another version of a collapsiblecontainer of the present invention is generally designated by thereference numeral 221. The container 221 includes panels, generallyindicated by 223, which include walls 225 joined at junctures 229 and aflap 237. The container 221 functions generally as indicated above,except that the walls 225, rather than pivoting with respect to oneanother, are capable of bowing outward as the flap 237 is pivoteddownward by a pull cord 239, forming the container. The flap 237 isgenerally circular in shape, so that the bottom of the container 221 isround when in the expanded position. The top of the container 221,however, is not round, because the walls 225 are formed from a stiffmaterial, such as cardboard, folded along the junctures 229 so that thewalls bend less that at the bottom, wherein the top of the containerretains an oblong shape. The container 221 further includes a pull tab241 attachable to the pull cord 239 and a stop 243 for arrestingpivoting movement of the flap 237.

[0034] Referring now to FIG. 10, another version of the collapsiblecontainer of the present invention is generally designated by thereference numeral 251. As before, the container 251 includes walls 253,a flap 255 and a pull cord 257 for erecting the container from acollapsed position to an expanded position, as shown. The container 251additionally includes a lid 261 attachable to one wall 253 and pivotablewith respect to the container. The pull cord 257 is attachable to boththe flap 255 and the lid 261, so that pulling on the pull cord to expandthe container 251 also pulls the lid partially downward to demonstratemovement of the lid to the user. Moreover, the walls 253′ adjacent thewall 253 connectable to the lid 261 include vertical fold lines 265,facilitating inward folding of the walls when the container is in acollapsed position. By folding inward, these walls 2531 allow thecontainer 251 to collapse to a smaller overall size. In this version, anarticle such as a compact disc 263 may be placed within the collapsedcontainer 251. As the container expands from the collapsed position tothe expanded position, the compact disc 263 rotates with the flap 255,thereby orienting the compact disc within the container. The container251 further includes a pull tab 267 attachable to the pull cord 257 anda stop 269 for arresting pivoting movement of the flap 255.

[0035] Another version of the collapsible container, shown in FIG. 11,is generally designated by the reference numeral 271. The containerincludes walls 273, a flap 275 and a pull cord 277 generally as above.Moreover, the container 271 includes a ring-shaped rib 281 attachable toone of the walls 273 and pivotable to a generally horizontal positionwith the flap 275. The rib 281 is designed to retain the walls 273 ofthe container in an expanded position. The pull cord 277 is attached toboth the rib 281 and the flap 275. Pulling the pull cord 277 pivots therib 281 and flap 275 from a collapsed position, where the rib and flaplie generally parallel to the walls, to an expanded position, where therib and flap are generally perpendicular to the walls. The container 271further includes a lid 283, attachable to and pivotable with one of thewalls 273 of the container. The container 271 further includes a pulltab 285 attachable to the pull cord 277 and a stop 287 for arrestingpivoting movement of the flap 275.

[0036] Referring now to FIG. 12, yet another version of the collapsiblecontainer of the present invention is indicated generally by referencenumeral 291. The container includes three walls 295, two of which areconnectable to a central wall 295′. As with the previous versions, thecontainer 291 has both a collapsed position and an expanded position.When collapsed, the walls 295,295′ lie substantially parallel. The twooutermost walls 295 are not connectable to one another along a pivotablejunction as with the previous version. Rather, the bottom portion of onewall 295 is folded upward to form a crease 303 near the bottom of thewall 295. The bottom edge of the other wall 295 engages the crease 303,whereby the walls 295 may slide with respect to one another along thelength of the crease. To expand the container, the user again pulls apull cord 305 that is threaded through a series of holes 307 formed inthe outermost walls 295. As the cord 305 passes through the holes 307,outermost walls 295 move inward toward one another while the crease 303remains engagable with the bottom edge of the wall, thereby guiding thewalls in flatwise, slidable engagement with one another. At the sametime, the edges of the central wall 295′ move inward, thereby causingthe central wall to bow outwardly. The central wall 295′ is shaped bothby the movement of its edges inward and the movement of a semicircularflap 311 downward. The flap is also connectable to the pull cord 305,further shaping the central wall 295′ in a generally arcuate shape.Finally, the pull cord 305 is connectable to a retaining ring 315 thatslides downward over the upper portion of the container 291 to furthersecure the walls 295,295′ in the desired orientation. The container 291further includes a pull tab 317 attachable to the pull cord 305 and astop 319 for arresting pivoting movement of the flap 311.

[0037] Turning to FIG. 13, another version of the collapsible containerof the present invention is indicated generally by reference numeral321. The collapsible container includes a flap 323 that is a generallyparallel extension of a panel 327. As with the previous version,actuating a pull cord 329, expands the container 321 to an expandedposition. As it expands the container, the flap 323 creates aninterference fit between itself and a juncture 333 disposed between twoadjacent panels 337, thereby securing the container in the expandedposition. Only by disengaging the flap 323 from the interference fitwith the juncture 333 can the user alter the container 321 from itsexpanded position. In addition, the container 312 includes two panels337′ sized and shaped in an outline reminiscent of a recognizableobject, such as a fish, diamond ring, etc., so that the container shapeis suggestive of the object. The container 321 further includes a pulltab 339 attachable to the pull cord 329.

[0038] Referring now to FIG. 14, another version of the collapsiblecontainer of the present invention is indicated generally by referencenumeral 345. The container includes panels 347, each extendable outwardfrom a central panel 347′, or bottom, of the container. These panels 347comprise the sides of the container 345 when in the expanded position.As depicted in FIG. 14, web panels 353 bridge the gaps between each pairof adjacent panels 347. A pull cord 351 is threadably connectable withat least two, and preferably each of the panels 347. The pull cord 351includes two free ends extendable from the container 345 for pullingsimultaneously to shorten the length of cord threading through thecontainer, thereby expanding the panels 347 from the collapsed positionto the expanded position. Preferably, the web panels 353 of thecontainer 345 are directed inward to protect an article within thecontainer, such as a fragile glass ornament or statuette. The web panels353 may also be directed outward or removed entirely without departingfrom the scope of the present invention. Here the pull cord 351 may beformed of an attractive material because a portion of the cord isvisible while the container is in use.

[0039] Referring now to FIG. 15, another version of the collapsiblecontainer of the present invention is indicated generally by referencenumeral 371. The container includes multiple walls 375 joined atmultiple junctions 377, forming a continuous circuit of walls in acircuitous arrangement. Six walls are depicted in FIG. 15, althoughfewer or greater number of walls (e.g., 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, etc.) are alsocontemplated as within the scope of the present invention. The container371 further includes a flap 379 attachable to at least one of the walls375 for pivotable movement with respect to the walls. As with theprevious versions, the container 371 is capable of lying substantiallyflat in a collapsed position and expanding to an expanded position. Inaddition, the container 371 has wall extensions 381 extending upwardfrom the top of each wall 375, or from at least some of the walls. Theseextensions 381 are movable relative to the walls 375 along fold lines385. Each of the extensions 381 includes a hole 389, through which apull cord 393 passes. The pull cord 393 additionally passes through thecontainer 371 and attaches to the flap 379. From the collapsed position,when a pull tab 397 attached to the end of the pull cord 393 is pulled,the extensions 381 are drawn closer together and the flap 379 is drawnupward toward the walls of the container 371. As with the previousversions, this causes the container 371 to transform from its collapsedposition to its expanded position. Once expanded, the flap 379 ispositioned perpendicular to the walls 375 of the container 371 and thewall extensions 381 form a cone-shaped top of the container 371. Thecontainer further includes stops 401 as disclosed in the previousversions. Moreover, stops 401′ are attached to the inner surface of thewalls 375 of the container 371 to limit upward movement of the flap 379as it is drawn into the container by the pull cord 393. These stops401,401′ cooperate to create a notch 405 that helps hold the flap in theappropriate position. The container 371 further includes windows 409 cutfrom the walls of the container that allow viewing into the inside ofthe container.

[0040] In addition to the various containers described herein, othercontainers of similar design are also contemplated as within the scopeof the present invention. For instance, the container walls may alsoslope outwardly (not shown), forming a container with a progressivelylarger opening as one goes further upward on the container. Thecontainer may also be formed with walls in a combination oforientations, for example, inward, outward or vertical. Moreover,containers including a differently shaped flap are also contemplated aswithin the scope of the present invention (e.g., a triangle-shaped flap,a hexagonal flap, etc.). In sum, a variety of containers formed invarious configurations and sizes are well within the scope of thepresent invention.

[0041] In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects ofthe invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

[0042] When introducing elements of the present invention or thepreferred embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and“said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements.The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to beinclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than thelisted elements.

[0043] As various changes could be made in the above without departingfrom the scope of the invention, it is intended that all mattercontained in the above description and shown in the accompanyingdrawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limitingsense.

What is claimed is:
 1. An expandable container comprising: at least twowalls pivotably inter-connectable along at least two junctures so as tolie substantially flat in a collapsed position; a flap attachable to atleast one of said walls and capable of pivotable movement with respectto said at least one wall; and a pull cord attachable to said flapwhereby pulling said cord pivotably moves said flap with respect to saidwalls, thereby expanding said walls apart from one another from thecollapsed position to an expanded position.
 2. An expandable containeras set forth in claim 1 wherein said walls and flap fold to asubstantially flat, collapsed position.
 3. An expandable container asset forth in claim 2 wherein said walls and flap are of unitaryconstruction.
 4. An expandable container as set forth in claim 2 whereinsaid walls are oriented perpendicular to said flap when in said expandedposition.
 5. An expandable container as set forth in claim 4 whereinsaid walls that are adjacent one another are oriented perpendicular toone another.
 6. An expandable container as set forth in claim 2 whereinsaid walls are not perpendicular to said flap when in said expandedposition.
 7. An expandable container as set forth in claim 6 whereinsaid walls are inwardly directed toward one another.
 8. An expandablecontainer as set forth in claim 7 wherein said container is generallypyramid-shaped, wherein said flap forms a base of the pyramid and saidwalls form sides of the pyramid.
 9. An expandable container as set forthin claim 8 wherein at least one of said walls defines a void, creatingan opening in the pyramid.
 10. An expandable container as set forth inclaim 9 wherein said void is located near the peak of the pyramid sothat when the base of the container is directed downward, the opening isupwardly opening.
 11. An expandable container comprising: at least twopanels pivotably inter-connectable along at least two junctures so as tolie substantially flat in a collapsed position, at least one of saidpanels being capable of pivotable movement with respect to another ofsaid panels; and a pull cord attachable to at least one of said panelswhereby pulling said pull cord pivotably moves said panel with respectto said another panel, thereby expanding said panels from the collapsedposition to an expanded position.
 12. An expandable container as setforth in claim 11 wherein said pull cord is threadably connectable withat least two panels.
 13. An expandable container as set forth in claim12 wherein said pull cord includes two free ends extendable from thecontainer for pulling simultaneously to expand said panels from thecollapsed position to the expanded position.
 14. An expandable containeras set forth in claim 13 wherein said pull cord is threadablyconnectable with at least two panels that act as container sides whenthe container is in the expanded position.
 15. An expandable containeras set forth in claim 14 wherein said pull cord is threadablyconnectable with six panels, said panels acting as container sides whenthe container is in the expanded position.
 16. An expandable containeras set forth in claim 15 wherein at least one of said panels constitutesa bottom of said container.
 17. An expandable container as set forth inclaim 11 wherein at least one of said panels acts as a pivotable flap ofsaid container.
 18. An expandable container as set forth in claim 17wherein said panels are oriented generally perpendicular to said flapwhen in the expanded position.
 19. An expandable container as set forthin claim 18 wherein said flap is generally circular, so that at leastone of said panels is urged into an arcuate shape, closely correspondingto the outline of the circular flap.
 20. An expandable container as setforth in claim 18 wherein said flap is generally semi-circular, astraight portion of said flap attachable to and pivotable with at leastone of said panels, wherein another of said panels is urged into anarcuate shape, closely corresponding to the outline of the semi-circularflap, when the container is in its expanded position.
 21. An expandablecontainer as set forth in claim 17 wherein said flap is an extension ofa panel, wherein expansion of the container to an expanded positioncreates an interference fit between the flap and a juncture between twoadjacent panels, thereby securing said container in the expandedposition.
 22. An expandable container as set forth in claim 21 whereinat least one of said panels includes an outline of a recognizableobject, so that the container shape is suggestive of said recognizableobject.
 23. An expandable container comprising: at least two wallspivotably inter-connectable along at least two junctures so as to liesubstantially flat in a collapsed position; a flap attachable to atleast one of said walls and capable of pivotable movement with respectto said at least one wall; and a pull cord attachable to said flapwhereby pulling said cord pivotably moves said flap with respect to saidwalls, thereby expanding said walls apart from one another from thecollapsed position to an expanded position, said walls and flap beingcapable of folding to a substantially flat, collapsed position andwherein said walls are perpendicular to said flap when in said expandedposition and wherein said walls that are adjacent one another areoriented perpendicular to one another when in said expanded position.24. An expandable container comprising: at least two walls pivotablyinter-connectable along at least two junctures so as to liesubstantially flat in a collapsed position; a flap attachable to atleast one of said walls and capable of pivotable movement with respectto said at least one wall; and a pull cord attachable to said flapwhereby pulling said cord pivotably moves said flap with respect to saidwalls, thereby expanding said walls apart from one another from thecollapsed position to an expanded position, wherein said walls are notperpendicular to said flap when in said expanded position and said wallsare inwardly directed toward one another when in said expanded position,wherein said container is generally pyramid-shaped, wherein said flapforms a base of the pyramid and said walls form sides of the pyramid,said walls and flap being capable of folding to a substantially flat,collapsed position.